RE the controversy over the Bishop of Coventry’s remarks on the blitz of Dresden.

To get an accurate picture of what took place I have consulted various books, including Berlin, by the eminent war historian Antony Beevor, and Tail-end Charlies, by Nichol and Rennell.

Here are the facts: The Allied leaders met at Yalta in early February 1945, and Dresden was discussed. Churchill and Roosevelt wanted to assist Stalin as the Russians’ advance had been slowed down.

Dresden was an important road and rail junction and had vast railway marshalling yards.

Germany could therefore move one million men and equipment east very quickly. What’s more, the industry in the city had been fully mobilised for the German war effort. It was in every way part of the Nazi killing machine.

The three leaders and their chiefs of staff all agreed that Dresden should be attacked.

Our own War Cabinet having agreed, Lord Portal sent a letter to Arthur Harris instructing him to organise the raid. This he did.

Another fact which is rarely mentioned, the next day when the city would have been full of rescue workers, including doctors and nurses, hundreds of American bombers carried out a massive raid. Another raid was carried out in the days following.

It is entirely wrong therefore to pillory bomber command, as has often been done, for being alone responsible for the assault. In any case, they were under orders.